Lotus Pond Scenic Area Introduction
Lotus Pond, located in Zuoying District, holds deep Eastern symbolic meaning. It is bordered by Turtle Mountain to the south and Banping Mountain to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the pond was filled with lotus flowers that filled the air with fragrance every summer, earning it the nickname "Pan Shui He Xiang" (Lotus Fragrance in the Pond) and becoming one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan. The iconic structure "Dragon and Tiger Tower" beside Lotus Pond allows visitors to feel the impact of Eastern religious culture. It has been specially recommended by CNN, making it one of the most traditionally religious scenic areas in Kaohsiung City. There are over 20 temples around Lotus Pond, with the Dragon and Tiger Tower, Spring and Autumn Pavilion, North Polar Xuantian Emperor Temple, and Confucius Temple being the most notable. Among them, the Dragon and Tiger Tower is the most beloved by international travelers and a must-visit attraction in Kaohsiung. In 2014, CNN featured the "Dragon and Tiger Tower of Lotus Pond" in its "10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung". The Dragon and Tiger Tower was built in 1976. This seven-story structure allows entry through the mouth of the dragon and exit from the mouth of the tiger, symbolizing the idea of "entering the dragon's throat and exiting the tiger's mouth" to ward off misfortune. From the top of the tower, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Lotus Pond. The Spring and Autumn Pavilion, built in 1953, stands next to the Dragon and Tiger Tower and has been there for over sixty years. These two Chinese palace-style pavilions are known as the "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion," commemorating Confucius. Each is four stories high with eight sides, featuring green tiles and yellow walls, resembling pagodas. Their reflections in the water create a picturesque scene, interconnected by the Nine-Curve Bridge, built to commemorate the martial saint Guan Yu, making them stand out among Taiwan's towers and hence known as "Spring and Autumn Imperial Pavilion." The Spring and Autumn Imperial Pavilion includes a dragon-shaped tunnel similar to that of the Dragon and Tiger Tower, where visitors can follow the guidance to enter through the dragon's mouth. Inside, the colorful tunnel is painted with numerous religious stories, showcasing rich and detailed illustrations that attract many visitors who come with devotion. At the front of the Spring and Autumn Pavilion stands a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon. According to legend, Guanyin Bodhisattva rode a dragon to manifest in the clouds and instructed followers to construct a statue resembling her manifestation between the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, leading to the creation of the current statue of Guanyin riding a dragon. The Five Li Pavilion derives its name from "Five Li Mist," as mentioned by Li Shangyin in his poem "Five Li No Cause Mist." The term describes a confusing state of being. The pavilion stands about two stories high, with yellow tiles and a stunning flying eave. When the morning sun rises and the mist envelops Lotus Pond, the Five Li Pavilion appears to float as a fairy palace on the water's surface. At night, lanterns along the embankment emit a soft glow, resembling a heavenly realm. By climbing the stairs to the second floor of the "Five Li Pavilion," one can overlook the entire Lotus Pond, immersed in an Eastern atmosphere that highlights the beauty of Jiangnan-style gardens. Beginning on March 10, 2025, the Kaohsiung City Zuoying Confucius Temple will undergo seismic reinforcement and restoration work, expected to be completed by September 15 of the same year. (Actual visiting hours are subject to announcements from the Kaohsiung City Zuoying Confucius Temple's Facebook page.) The Confucius Temple beside Lotus Pond in Zuoying is the largest in Taiwan, designed in a Northern Chinese palace style and modeled after the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong. Its grand exterior includes the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, East and West Wings, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, Yilu Fang, Minglun Hall, Pan Palace, Wanren Palace Wall, Pan Pond, and Arch Bridge, all constructed in completeness. As early as 1684, it was established as a sacred temple by local magistrate Yang Fangsheng, but was later repaired during the Qianlong and Guangxu eras due to weather damage, resulting in its current scale. Every year on September 28th, which is Teacher's Day, a grand ceremony is held to honor Confucius. Lotus Pond Children's Park is a well-known family-friendly destination in Kaohsiung. Rather than traditional playground equipment, it features diverse and locally themed play structures, being the first co-living park in Kaohsiung. The vibrant Rainbow Hill includes elements like sound tubes, pipe tunnels, and climbing walls for children to explore; they can channel their inner Spiderman on a rope climbing frame in the sandbox. Recently, a new 30-meter-long zip line has been added, along with bird-nest swings and balance beams, making it an excellent place for parent-child bonding and learning through play. Surrounded by pavilions, giant statues, and city walls, Lotus Pond offers an abundance of "old city" charm, with historical sites, old houses, and military dependents' villages contributing to a rich atmosphere. Visitors can explore local flavors in the old streets and traditional markets. The stunning scenery of Lotus Pond also offers various water activities for thrill-seeking tourists. The path around the pond caters to both leisurely walkers who wish to admire the pond's beauty and cyclists who enjoy a different pace while traversing the area. The Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park, the first international standard cable ski center in Taiwan, has attracted over a million visitors since its opening in 2014, hosting international invitation competitions from time to time. This draws tourists from various countries to participate, promoting sports tourism through media coverage and creating a new peak in tourism to let more people discover a different side of Kaohsiung. Located next to Yuan Emperor Temple by Lotus Pond, "PAMMA Coffee" combines environmental ecology with a bright and pure white structure, where visitors can enjoy light meals and beverages while taking in the elegant water view, making it a new hotspot for tourists to relish the scenic beauty of Lotus Pond. Mango Cafe (temporarily closed since March 10, 2025, for renovations at the Confucius Temple) defies the notion that afternoon tea can only be enjoyed in cafes or dessert shops. At Mango Cafe in the Confucius Temple, visitors can enjoy reasonably priced coffee and traditional pastries in a setting steeped in antique charm, providing a unique Chinese-style coffee afternoon tea experience. Chengyi Tzu Chi Temple, commonly referred to as Chengyi Tzu Chi Temple or Zuoying Tzu Chi Temple by locals...
